A coalition of 12 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), led by the Media Practitioners for Development (MPD), has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant a six-month tenure extension to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, describing criticisms of the move as myopia hurting national interest.
The coalition, speaking at a World Press Conference in Abuja on Friday, said the extension was a strategic decision aimed at ensuring the completion of critical reforms currently being implemented within the Customs Service and preserving the momentum of ongoing institutional transformation.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition, the National Coordinator, Mr. Johnson Eze, urged Nigerians to look beyond personal interests and political sentiments and focus on the broader economic benefits of the decision.
According to him, President Tinubu acted in the best interest of the country by retaining a public officer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and delivered measurable results in one of Nigeria’s most important revenue-generating agencies.
The coalition noted that since assuming office, Adeniyi has overseen significant improvements in revenue generation, operational efficiency, institutional reforms, and modernization efforts within the Customs Service.
“Outstanding performance deserves recognition and encouragement. The achievements recorded by the Nigeria Customs Service under Mr. Adeniyi have contributed significantly to economic growth and strengthened public confidence in the agency,” Eze stated.
The group argued that several key reforms initiated by the Customs boss are still at critical stages of implementation and require continuity in leadership to achieve their intended objectives.
Among the initiatives cited was the National Single Window (NSW) project, which aims to reduce cargo clearance time at major seaports from the current average of 21 days to less than seven days.
According to the coalition, the project is expected to significantly improve trade facilitation and eliminate inefficiencies that reportedly cost the country an estimated $4 billion annually.
“It would be counterproductive to interrupt the implementation of such a transformative project through an abrupt leadership transition. The reform process should be allowed to mature and deliver its full benefits to the Nigerian economy,” the coalition said.
The CSOs also highlighted Adeniyi’s efforts to address what they described as a leadership gap within the Customs Service caused by years of recruitment restrictions between 1992 and 2009.
They explained that the Comptroller-General had already commenced comprehensive leadership development programmes aimed at preparing a new generation of Customs officers for future responsibilities.
The coalition further pointed to Adeniyi’s international recognition as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO), a position he was elected to in June 2025 and subsequently re-elected to hold until June 2027.
The group said his continued leadership of the global customs body offers Nigeria valuable opportunities for international collaboration, policy influence and capacity building.
“It is only reasonable that Nigeria supports him in completing his tenure as Chairman of the World Customs Organization, considering the prestige and benefits such a position brings to the country,” the statement added.
Defending the legality of the extension, the coalition maintained that President Tinubu acted within the powers vested in him by law and had openly explained the rationale behind the decision.
The group rejected claims that the extension could negatively affect morale within the Service, insisting that rewarding competence, integrity and exceptional performance serves as motivation for officers and encourages a culture of excellence.
While acknowledging the legitimate aspirations of senior officers within the NCS, the coalition stressed that such ambitions must be subordinated to national interest whenever the two come into conflict.
“It is important to emphasize that this extension is not about favouring any individual or denying others opportunities. It is a strategic decision aimed at safeguarding reforms and ensuring the successful completion of projects that are critical to national development,” Eze said.
The coalition therefore commended President Tinubu for what it described as a courageous and visionary decision, urging Nigerians to support policies and actions capable of strengthening institutions and accelerating economic development.
The group also congratulated Comptroller-General Adeniyi for earning the confidence of the President and encouraged him to sustain the reform agenda that has distinguished his tenure.
The CSOs concluded by expressing confidence that the long-term benefits of the tenure extension would ultimately vindicate the President’s decision and further strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service as a key driver of economic growth and trade facilitation.
Group Hails Tinubu Over NCS Boss Tenure Extension, Faults Critics
